Sullivan sworn in as Seattle U.S. attorney

SEATTLE — Shortly before he died, longtime King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng was leading the effort to find a replacement for fired U.S. Attorney John McKay.

Maleng’s top choice was someone he had known for decades — one of McKay’s top deputies, Jeff Sullivan — and he told that to Robert Lasnik, the chief U.S. District Court judge in Western Washington.

Lasnik agreed that Sullivan would be a fine choice, and on Friday, he said he was honoring Maleng’s memory as he swore Sullivan in as the Justice Department’s top lawyer in Western Washington.

“You all know about what led to this,” Lasnik said, referring to the purge of nine U.S. attorneys around the country — a controversy that helped bring about the downfall of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. “But the consistency we have had in this office … is something we in the judiciary appreciate tremendously.”

John McKay and his brother, Mike, both former U.S. attorneys, were among the supporters, relatives and friends who packed a courtroom for the ceremony — as were Maleng’s widow, Judy, and son, Mark. Maleng died of cardiac arrest in May.

Sullivan, 64, served as the elected prosecutor in Yakima County from 1975 to 2002, when he joined the U.S. attorney’s office as chief deputy overseeing all criminal cases filed by the office. After the Bush administration forced McKay to resign early this year, Sullivan replaced him on an interim basis. But the White House has not forwarded a nominee to the Senate for confirmation, and Sullivan’s interim appointment expired on Friday — meaning responsibility for naming a new U.S. attorney fell to the federal judges, who unanimously agreed to keep Sullivan in the post.

In a short speech, Sullivan thanked the judges for the trust they had placed in him.

“I guarantee to you I will do everything possible not to let you down,” he said.

He also thanked John McKay, whom he called a phenomenal person, lawyer and U.S. attorney, and he said he hoped to do half the job McKay did in the office.

The ceremony itself featured a few bumps. After an apparently nervous Sullivan stumbled over the words, Lasnik told him, “Let’s start over again.”

“Ready, take two,” Lasnik said. “I, state your name.”

“Jeffrey C. Sullivan,” he replied.

“No, you say ‘I,”’ the judge said.

The audience let out a good-natured laugh, and Sullivan’s grown children praised him afterward.

“He’s a true public servant,” said Jeff Sullivan Jr. “He does it because he cares. He does it because he likes putting bad guys away.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.